Kach Medina Umandap, a 36-year-old Filipina digital nomad, has set a remarkable milestone by becoming the first and youngest Filipino to travel to all 193 United Nations-recognized countries using solely a Philippine passport. This accomplishment is not only exceptional for Umandap but also significant as she is arguably the first woman from a developing country with a low passport index to achieve such a monumental feat.
According to NomadMania, a website that monitors travel achievements, fewer than 500 individuals globally have managed to visit all 193 UN countries. Umandap completed her extraordinary journey on January 6, 2025, saving Sudan as her final destination due to the country’s civil unrest.
Her expedition has been well-documented, showcasing her experiences and encouraging others to embrace a nomadic lifestyle beyond traditional travel norms. The global community of Filipino World Travelers (FWT) was the first to announce Umandap's journey, lauding her for breaking barriers in international travel.
Umandap stands out from previous Filipino travelers who have visited all UN countries, like Odette Ricasa, 79, and Luisa Yu, 80, by solely using a Philippine passport. She holds no dual citizenship, is not a permanent resident elsewhere, and relies entirely on her Philippine passport as a dedicated Overseas Filipino Worker living between the Philippines and Dubai.
By reaching Port Sudan in early 2025, Umandap not only completed her quest but also became one of the first tourists to visit the region post the unrest, offering a ray of hope for Sudan’s tourism industry. After returning from her final trip, she arrived in Cebu on January 13, 2025, to celebrate her remarkable achievement in her home country.
Through her career as a digital nomad and travel blogger, Umandap has managed to sustain herself financially while pursuing her dream of exploring the world, inspiring many with her groundbreaking journey.